Words to live by: Mum's final message at her own funeral

Stuart Cumming
Reporter
Stuart studied journalism at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba. He worked briefly at Central Queensland News and Warwick Daily News. He has worked as a reporter at The Chronicle since July 2009.

Mrs Corkin's husband Scott had known her since they attended Maleny State School in Year 1.

She was Miss Cork in those days, a descendant of one of the first dairy farming families at Maleny.

They remained friends, working together at Frew's Foodstore in after-school jobs during their early teenage years.

Their friendship blossomed into romance when they were about 18.

Enjoying their last fishing trip together as a family are (from left) Aimee, Robert, Michelle and Scott Corkin. Michelle succumbed to bile duct cancer about a month after the trip. Photo ContributedPhoto Contributed

They had two children, Robert, now 21, and Aimee, now 16, and after a short time away, chose to continue living in the hinterland.

A message penned by Mrs Corkin and read out by her nephew Curtis Cavanough at her funeral gave an insight into that decision.

"I was lucky enough to be born from two of the most beautiful and supportive parents a child could ever wish for who brought us up on the family farm with what can only be described as an idyllic upbringing," Mrs Corkin said.

"Maleny is exactly how a community should be and I feel so privileged to have grown up and lived here and to have been a part of all the many clubs and organisations that provided for me and my family throughout the years.

"I gave a lot to Maleny but I far and away received more in return from her."

Mr Corkin said his wife found writing her final message to be an almost cathartic process.

He was the only one to have read it before her funeral.

"It just really helped her deal with it," Mr Corkin said.

Their lives took a drastic turn on January 23 when Mrs Corkin learnt the pain in her neck and shoulders was caused by a tumour.

Mrs Corkin reconnected with old friends and made the most of her remaining time.

She also restricted her medication to ensure she was active and coherent.

"It was a very brave move," Mr Corkin said.

Mr Corkin said reconnecting with friends was a great benefit. "That helped her a lot more sometimes than the painkillers."

Mrs Corkin died peacefully in the comfort of family and friends on July 4.

The community's farewell to her included a large wake held at the Maleny Showgrounds.